March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

Junior League Collects 11,000 Diapers

Junior League of Annapolis collects diapers
Kim Loprete of Edgewater, Pres. JLA, Sherrie and daughter Suzy Brown, Pasadena, Lisa Snyder of Davidsonville, Past Pres of JLA, Paula Gordon, Director of Volunteer Operations of Food Link and Cathy Holstrom, Executive Director of Food Link

As folks were busy with their holiday shopping, the women of Jr. League of Annapolis (JLA) were busy collecting diapers for the Food Link’s Emergency Baby Pantries in Anne Arundel County. During the months of November and December, over 11,000 diapers were collected. The goal was to collect 10,000 diapers before the New Year as part of Huggies’ Every Little Bottom campaign. The campaign aims to educate and respond to the problem of diaper need. The inability to afford diapers can lead to consequences such as cutting back on basic essentials, like food, utilities, or child care. All the diapers collected will be distributed through Food Link.

The combination of a struggling economy and sharply rising food prices is forcing more people to seek emergency help from the area’s food banks, which serve mainly the poor and elderly. The need in our own community is growing, especially among working families with children. Food Link responds to the urgent needs of babies suffering from poverty, domestic violence, teen pregnancies and unexpected family crisis. Food Link operates five baby pantries in Anne Arundel County. Donations from the community help stock the pantries essential items such as diapers, formula, layette necessities, clothing, furniture and other baby supplies to assist families in temporary crisis.

Cathy Holstrom, Executive Director of Food Link, Inc., explains that families use their available cash to pay for rent or heat or medical bills, and food is one item that keeps moving down the list. Ms. Holstrom expounded that when the cash runs out, they turn to the food bank for help.

The Baby Pantry was established in 1995 out of recognition that the existing Food Link and other community services were not meeting the needs of families with young children. Despite the important role that the Baby Pantry plays in the community, the budget for this service is extremely small. Donations from the community are crucial to helping Food Link meet the needs of families in the Anne Arundel area all year, not just during the holiday season.

Almost 20 years ago, Food Link opened its doors with the mission to lead efforts in alleviating hunger in our community by linking vital resources to families and individuals in need. Food Link has become the last stop when traditional support programs fail or turn them away. Donated goods and services are the core of the program which supports over 75 agencies and charitable organizations in Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore.

Food Link is a nationally recognized for its ability to help those in need. There is no paperwork, no judgment, no rejections or waiting. Food Link truly provides immediate help for people in need.

The continued success of Food Link is depends solely on the support of individuals, community groups, businesses and civic organization.  To make a donation, host a food drive or volunteer please contact Paula Gordon at 410.897.3941 or [email protected].

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